How’s everyone doing?
In my world, things are suddenly moving faster than they were for a long time, and I don’t mind sharing that it’s been tough for me to adjust. I’m a little disoriented, but our evolving pandemic conditions have also offered joy. I’ve found it energizing to be with friends and colleagues and feel collectively a little more light-hearted after so many months of isolation and fear and grief. But the weight of loss is still heavy for so many, and I feel for those whose loved ones can’t yet be vaccinated and others for whom vulnerabilities forces continued isolation. Let me know how you’re faring—I’d love to hear. I hope you’ll read on for the first installment of Dear CP, this month’s pick from my Ideas & Resources list, and last call details for my Growth Planning Workshop—it starts TOMORROW!
Dear CP, I have been in contact with someone who offered me one of my first shows out of graduate school. In the years since, they closed that gallery and opened a new space that appears to specialize in the secondary market. They have posted some of my works purchased either directly from my studio or for another seller on Artsy. Normally I would not mind this, but the pieces have been dramatically discounted. After I requested that they mark the prices as “available upon request,” they further lowered the published prices. I am no longer represented by a gallery and do not have the option to buy the work back myself. I fear that the prices the dealer has published on Artsy will damage the price structure I’ve worked to stabilize and build upon over these last seven years. So, do I just sit tight or get more aggressive? XOXO
First of all, I’d like to say that this dealer’s refusal to change the listed price to “available on request” followed by their further reduction of the already discounted price is a blatant—and just plain mean—display of disrespect for you and your work. I’m sorry that this happened to you. To get right to the heart of your question, I recommend that you sit tight. Here’s why.
Ideas & Resources for Art Workers Each month, I’m offering one entry from my ever-expanding public compendium of ideas and resources for art workers. This month, I’m highlighting the Black Freelancers Web Directory, hosted by the Freelancers Union. I’m a white person, and I believe that an equitable distribution of capital to Black people is an important part of becoming anti-racist, both for me as a person and for American society at large. Seeking out Black-owned businesses and Black freelancers is one way to move toward financial equity for Black professionals, no matter what your own racial identification might be. The Black Freelancers Web Directory is a place to find Black professional practitioners who specialize in everything from graphic design, photography, and social media management; to web development, writing, and public relations; to notary, bookkeeping, and even doula and other wellness services. It’s an extraordinary resource, and I hope you’ll bookmark it for the next time you have a project that requires professional help, list your own services if you’re a Black freelancer, and pass it on to others who might benefit from using the database or listing themselves there.
Growth Planning Workshop STARTS TOMORROW→TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER! What is growth planning? It’s the process of envisioning where you want to be, assessing where you are, and making a plan for growth. The process involves introspection and dreaming; articulating needs and wants; identifying value and values; using resource and knowledge management tools; and of course, PLANNING. Above all, I’ve designed this workshop to help participants define and plan for fulfillment and sustainability for your life and work on your own terms.
Last day to register: TODAY, February 15 @ 6pm PST
Till next time…
